I'm beginning to wonder how Gay Talese is doing, cognitive healthwise. Here's a response he gave to Vulture.com about what he's reading this summer. Can't tell if it was written or spoken, but either way ...
Gay Talese, writer
“I’m reading Richard Cohen’s book on Nora Ephron — I have the galley. It’s a wonderful book. My cousin Nick Pileggi was married to her, I knew her. This guy Richard Cohen is the only guy who could have written this book. It is a terrific book, and I knew Nora, I’m her cousin-in-law.
Oh, and to get back on topic, here's what David Remnick will be reading:
David Remnick, editor-in-chief, The New Yorker
“The last book I bought hasn't arrived at home yet; it’s A Dance to the Music of Time, by Anthony Powell. And then the two books I'm currently reading: I'm just finishing Robert Gottlieb's memoirs — I wonder why. It isn’t out yet, but I have the galley. And Moby-Dick I'm reading again. It's even better than I remembered it. I sound like a dummy extolling the virtues of Moby-Dick, but god is it good. I figured since I'm not going to go to the beach I might as well read about it.
I have never read Moby-Dick, probably never will read Moby-Dick, and also probably -- never say never! -- be editor of the New Yorker.